Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance at the World Matchplay, crushing Josh Rock 16-7 to advance to the semi-finals where he will face Dirk van Duijvenbode, the Dutchman who survived a tense showdown with Gary Anderson. Littler’s victory not only puts him on a collision course with van Duijvenbode but also positions him to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to retain the World Matchplay title in consecutive years. Littler’s statistics from the match underline his dominance.
He posted a three‑dart average of 109.57, struck 17 maximum 180s, and hit doubles at a 53 percent success rate. Such numbers are rare in a tournament known for its high pressure and elite competition. "Another brilliant game for myself.
I've gone 109, 113, 109 again," Littler told Sky Sports, emphasizing his desire to maintain this high standard. He added, "Fair play to Josh. He gave me a really good game there. I think it was the third session where I won all five legs.
I kind of got myself into that lead and I just had to stay there and got the job done." The two players have a recent history at this stage. A year earlier, Littler and Rock met in the semi‑finals, where Littler edged out an 18-15 thriller, even hitting a nine‑dart finish on the way. This time, however, the contest was far less balanced. After a closely contested opening ten legs, Littler seized control, stringing together a series of high‑scoring legs that left Rock struggling to find a foothold.
Rock started brightly, matching Littler’s breaks of throw and even producing a spectacular 129 checkout that highlighted his potential to push the match into a genuine battle at 5‑5. Yet, as the second session unfolded, Littler’s consistency shone through.
He ran off five consecutive legs, during which Rock failed to land a single dart at double. The momentum continued as Littler extended his run to seven straight legs, leaving Rock with only two holds of throw and a daunting 13‑6 deficit. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg.
The 19‑year‑old Littler broke Rock’s throw once more, cleaning up with a 44 finish. Rock managed to hold his own throw thereafter, but Littler’s third match dart secured his favourite D10, sealing a comprehensive victory. On the opposite side of the draw, Dirk van Duijvenbode fought off a remarkable comeback from Gary Anderson to claim his first semi‑final berth at Blackpool.
Van Duijvenbode led 15‑8, needing just one more leg to win, when Anderson surged back, averaging over 114 and taking five successive legs, highlighted by a massive 154 checkout. It seemed a miracle might be on the cards, but Van Duijvenbode found his rhythm at the crucial moment, hitting his D10 to clinch the match 16‑13. "To be fair the break couldn't come at a worse moment.
You just know Gary loves the game. He never gives up," Van Duijvenbode said, acknowledging Anderson’s tenacity. He added, "He's probably the best in the world when he hits the trebles.
I expected the 154. He didn't miss, but I always think my opponent will hit it. At some point I felt nerves in my stomach." Van Duijvenbode’s early session set the tone, as he broke twice and finished with a 107 checkout to take a 4‑1 lead. The second session mirrored the first; another break of throw and a clutch 112 checkout pushed his advantage to 8‑3.
Anderson responded with a flurry of three‑leg streaks, including an 84 bullseye finish, narrowing the gap to 9‑6. Yet Van Duijvenbode halted Anderson’s momentum with a hold of throw, before exploding in the next session, taking all five legs while Anderson’s form waned. Anderson found himself three breaks behind and facing a seemingly impossible task at 14‑6. Though the former world champion displayed flashes of brilliance, Van Duijvenbode seized the critical moments, ultimately sealing his place in the semi‑finals.
The quarter‑finals continue on Friday, with live coverage from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action. Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year, while World No.
3 Gerwyn Price is set to clash with Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Littler as he defends his title. His blend of youthful confidence, clinical finishing, and impressive averages suggest he could rewrite the record books once more.
Fans can catch every dart, every checkout, and every dramatic turn of events on Sky Sports or by streaming the action through NOW, ensuring that the excitement of the World Matchplay remains accessible to a global audience.